After a horrendous Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to have a new opening combination in the 2026 edition. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed on the sidelines of captain’s meet that young Ayush Mhatre won’t open for CSK. Instead, the captain will walk out to open the innings alongside their new star batter Sanju Samson.
Gaikwad has batted at no.3 for CSK but this time he will take guard against the new ball. While Samson has been in red-hot form, Mhatre's numbers were impressive in his debut IPL season as well. Picked as a replacement player, he scored 240 runs from seven innings at an average of 34.28 and strike rate of 188.97. He scored 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
ALSO READ: 'Bowling basically every third day...': Pat Cummins issues clarification on IPL 2026 comeback
CSK’s options for no.3 role
This means that CSK may rely on Mhatre for the no.3 spot. There are other contenders as well. Urvil Patel has proved himself as destructive at the top. Sarfaraz Khan was exceptional for Mumbai in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. Also, they have Dewald Brevis in their side.
ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians warned against repeating ‘Rohit Sharma’ captaincy mistake
Ashwin wants Gaikwad-Samson opening pair
Earlier, CSK legend Ravichandran Ashwin had backed Gaikwad and Samson to open in IPL 2026. He feels both batters have different strengths but can score at a rapid rate.
“There is pedigree with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. Pedigree means you making quality runs and sustaining that for a period of time. We must not forget that. For me, I would love to see both of them go hammer and tongs at the opening slot. Both of them have different strengths. One is a caresser of the ball, while the other guy hits it hard so both of those qualities are there. So I will look at it in that fashion that I have two good openers,” said Ashwin on his Youtube Channel.
Who will CSK face in their opening game?
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on March 30. Samson will be up against his former franchise for the first time.